The COVID-19 situation has got us lounging on our couch, sipping on some Monogram tea and wishing for a getaway from this viral flu that is affecting everyone around the world, and hindering all kinds of travel plans.

So, as we scroll through our social media feeds, all we can do is to dream and take this time to perhaps plan for our next getaway.Here’s sharing our wanderlust bucket list:

DA NANG, VIETNAM

Captivating the attention of people from all around the world with its breath-taking natural attractions, Da Nang is gaining popularity lately as the beautiful beach city located in the central of Vietnam.

Blessed with a refreshing climate, Ba Na Hills in Da Nang should definitely be on your radar – it’s impossible to miss the Golden Bridge supported by giant hands, a stunning place that presents you with a majestic natural landscape across the lowlands and out to sea, surrounded by white clouds and mountains. Lots of travel reviews have cautioned that this popular location can get really busy and crowded. It is advised to visit this incredible spot in the mornings (meaning to wake up at 5am…) to beat the crowds if you wish to get an atmospheric, clear and clean shot with the golden light. Do note that the weather there can be pretty tricky – it can get foggy at times or be overwhelmed by clouds, but definitely worth a shot to get that feeling as if you’re on top of the world!

Dominating the skyline of Hoi An are the Marble Mountains that offers an awe-inspiring sight when an amazing shaft of light shines directly onto the temple built inside the cave. The symbol of Da Nang, also known as the Non Nuoc Mountains, is a complex of 5 limestone mountains – Kim Son, Moc Son, Hoa Son, Tho Son and Thuy Son (the highest and most spectacular), rising on sandy beaches such as the Non Nuoc beach that is filled with golden sand and crystal water.

Once showcased on Top Gear as one of the most beautiful coastal roads, the Hai Van Pass holds an instagrammable spot known by locals as ‘the rocks’. It’s easy to identify the place as there are a number of food and drink stalls by the side of the road and rocks. There are a couple of rocks where you can pick to capture the magnificent landscape projected right in front of your eyes.

CAPPADOCIA, TURKEY

Known for its incredible Instagrammable photo locations, it’s no doubt we yearn to visit this captivating place for its famous fairy chimneys and hot air balloon sunrises. Somehow this place always seemed so magical, as if it was a scene straight out of Aladdin!

One important thing to note about the sunrises at Cappadocia is that you are allowed to watch the sunrise from hotels and cave suites only if you’re a guest there! And it’s understandable why the view of the magical hot air balloon sunrise is reserved for guests only – the place looks exactly like a page from a fairy tale! Otherwise, you can also opt to get up close and witness hundreds of hot air balloons rise with the sun at Rose Valley. Only downside – you got to be up and out by 5:30AM for the gorgeous sight, but we’re pretty sure it will be worth every minute of lost sleep!

Pasabagi (or Valley of the Monks) is another charm of Cappadocia. Located a little out of town, this impressive work of Mother Nature showcases incredible rock formations also known as “Fairy Chimneys”, that are formed through erosion. Some chapels are housed within these mushroom shaped fairy chimneys, the most prominent being a tri-level chapel dedicated to St. Simeon. This area is best accessed by renting a car or hiring a taxi and the best time to visit is in the morning if you prefer to avoid large tour groups! The hot instagrammable spot is located right near the parking lot – walk straight in and keep to the left where there’s a small shopping area, the caves and arch that regularly appears on Instagram is just past there.

And if you’re into handicrafts, you must visit the rug shop in Göreme that is filled with over 50,000 Turkish handicrafts, covering every inch of the place – from the ceiling all the way down to the floor! There are other insta-worthy places in Cappadocia as well such as the Sunset Point and the Panoramic View Point (you can already imagine how magical the view would be by its name!). Now we just want to hop on the plane and be transported to this amazing place perfect for a bohemian retreat with great views, relaxation, shopping and some hiking!

MEXICO

Prefer somewhere else with mystical cenotes, crystal clear beaches, lush waterfalls and cliff-hanging hot springs and most importantly lesser crowd? Take a trip to Mexico for some margaritas by the pool and an adventure of a lifetime!

Situated in the north of Mexico’s remote mountains is Grutas Tolantongo, a hot springs resort with hot pools hidden between lush trees, a turquoise crystal clear river running through the park and mysterious caves. The hidden gem is a 5-hour drive away from major cities and travels through some rather rugged mountains, requiring a reliable transport to get you to your destination. But the trip will be worth it with the incredible view and lushious retreat it provides (you can opt for hotel or tent camping accomodation!)

Home to over 6000 cenotes, the Suytun cenote in Valladolid (2 hours away from Cancun and Tulum) stands out above the rest due to the walkway leading down the center of the cenote. With the cenote located completely underground, the only light source comes from an opening in the ceiling that forms a light shining down towards the walkway, illuminating the space when the time is right – around noon when the sun shines directly down. The only possible down side to this place is that it is quite the location that visitors signed up for tours, hence be prepared to beat the crowd for your remarkable shot.

If you’re looking to explore a cenote quietly by yourself, the non-touristy Tak Be Ha Cenote has similar features like the low hanging stalactites and turquoise blue water that will guarantee you an exclusive experience when you’re there. You’re able to snorkel and swim in the refreshing clear blue cenote water at a relatively cheap entrance cost and capture an unforgettable shot below the little opening in the ceiling or while hopping around the rocks for different angles.

A tropical adventure isn’t complete without a visit to a waterfall. The scenic Tamasopo in the Huasteca Potosina region offers a refreshing waterfall experience, coupled with jungle vibes and turquoise blue rivers in the middle of a tropical rainforest – best of all, hidden camping spots and secret caves for that privacy you wish for.

SANTORINI, GREECE

Considered as one of the most beautiful and iconic islands in Greece, Santorini is famous for its golden sunsets, white-washed streets and sweeping caldera views – perfect for endless photo opportunities everywhere you turn.

As you wander the streets of Oia, it’s hard to miss the famous three blue domes and the pair of church bells that are set against the crystal blue waters of the Aegean Sea. Visit the place during sunset when the light is golden, it definitely makes for an incredible view that’s unforgettable.

After climbing flights of stairs while navigating your way through the caldera buildings, it’s always a great idea to cool off and beat the blazing heat with a swim by the Amoudi Bay. Around the corner from the docks lies an extrordinary swimming hole, where you can choose to sprawl and sunbathe on the red rocks to soak up some vitamin D. Alternatively, there are some amazing cliffs around if cliff jumping is your thing!

It’s difficult for ladies to resist a photo opportunity with the “pink house” that you see all over social media. Located at the end of Oia village are the Kastra Oia houses with its feminine pink façade and spacious suites featuring terraces and hot tubs that overlooks the Aegean Sea. It’s easy to locate as it is enroute to Amoudi Bay via the stairway route.

MALDIVES, MALE

This romantic location has got to be on every honeymooner’s bucket list. Comprising of more than hundreds of islands, each resort has its very own island and most of them practice environmental and social sustainability. It is a wonderful place where you can pack in flowy dresses, bikinis and accessories for that million dollar shot against the wide, blue Indian ocean. This island paradise provides the privacy that we all yearn for for a private getaway.

Picking a resort for your island getaway is important as you’ll be spending all your time there! We have shortlisted Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu as it is a UNESCO biosphere reserve and well known as one of the world’s best places for diving and snorkeling.

Get cosy with your partner, relax and unwind as you sip on some cocktails during sunset and indulge in an unforgettable dining experience at the restaurants with their variety of cuisines. Other exclusive experiences such as sunrise breakfast on the beach, a private picnic, Maldivian afternoon tea, cinema nights and so much more are available as well!

If you’re more of an explorer, there are plenty of unique activities you can try out. Apart from the usual water sports (jet skiing, surfing, parasailing and wakeboarding etc…), sign up for a guided tour with the on-site marine biologist, go dolphin watching or even spend a day at the sea turtle rescue center for some afternoon fun. It’ll be a sin not to take a dip in the clearest and warmest water in Maldives.

With all that talk about these spectacular destinations around the world, we really can’t wait for the COVID-19 situation to die down to travel again. Meanwhile, let’s all play our part in taking care of our health, practice good hygiene and act responsibly as we pray for an improvement in this global virus outbreak!

Stay healthy,

LX